Teaching to Change Lives: Seven Proven Ways to Make Your Teaching Come Alive

This book is absolutely amazing for those who are called to teach. The wisdom in this book from Howard G. Hendricks is priceless!!!

Howard Hendricks is something of a Conservative Evangelical icon, a teacher of teachers, who for more than forty years shaped the teaching ministries of students at Dallas Seminary. Regardless of what one might think of Dispensationalism, it is undeniable that Dallas Grads are formidable teachers. More than any other figure, the credit for that reality goes to Howard Hendricks. Using the acronym "TEACHER," and basing his approach on Gregory's "Seven Laws of Teaching," Hendricks seeks to outline the basic skills, attitudes and characteristics of good teaching and of the good teacher. Clearly he seeks to transform not only the teaching but also the teacher. He does this by devoting one chapter to each of seven characteristics , in an anecdotally- and wisdom-rich format. Chapter One - The Law of the Teacher-- Stop growing today and you stop teaching tomorrow. He begins by emphasizing that the teacher can only teach as he/she continues to be a learner. When the learning stops, the well runs dry. In addition, people will become conformed to the image of the teacher. Therefore, a teacher must take care to be worthy of imitation, especially in the area of character. For Hendricks, the best candidates for the role of teacher are faithful, available and teachable. Other people need not apply. The teacher must be developing in the intellectual, physical [practical], and social dimensions. Chapter Two - The Law of Education--How people learn determines how you teach. People are only candidates for learning when they know they don't know and when they care about that. After Maslow, Hendricks speaks of four levels of learning : unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence, and unconscious competence. Our job is to help our students to see themselves in this continuum and to get them moving, and this will often involve exposing them to their ignorance in a motivational manner. Then we must be alert to "teachable moments." Then, by precept and example, we must teach people how to think, to learn and to work, and develop in them four master skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. All of the foregoing components help assure that those who sit in our classes will truly learn rather than merely observing. Chapter Three - The Law of Activity--Maximum learning is always the result of maximum involvement. Over and again in his book, Hendricks decries passivity and dependency: we are working to make our students active and independent or at least interdependent [thank you, Steven Covey]. That being the case, students will learn best as they are most active in the process. They need to be guided in their practice, taught to properly evaluate their experience, and learn not by repeating their mistakes but by doing the right things. Hearing is the most inefficient means of learning--people only retain at the most ten percent of what they hear. But they will retain up to fifty percent of what they s

Communication and caring compassion is the key to teaching. Hendricks uses the acronym, "TEACHER," to relate his concepts. The examples of teacher-student interaction shared in his book illustrate the importance of communication and show of care that motivates students to learn. He states, "The greatest teachers are not necessarily the people up front with high visibility. They are the people who have great heart. They communicate as a total person, and they communicate to the total person of their hearers (87)." Another way to be a "person of impact," is to be "vulnerable" with one's students. Not only are communication and compassion important, but preparation. Hendricks relates, "Teaching involves a delicate balance between facts and form, between content and communication, between what you teach and how you teach it (77)." If teachers want to prepare their students to "think, learn, and work," then four skills need to be taught: "reading, writing, listening, and speaking" (48). Though this book is written for Sunday school teachers, it contains helpful suggestions for use in other teaching venues. For instance, Hendricks suggests a "self-examination" in which teachers ask three questions: "What are my strengths; what are my weaknesses, and what do I have to change?" (35). Great teachers are the ones who continue to grow in their own personal learning. Hendricks' book is a good reminder for all teachers of the main purpose for Bible teaching. Even if the teacher teaches in a secular institution, the basic principles of the book can be utilized. For instance, students will be more willing to try harder and put more effort into their school work if they know the teacher truly cares for them.

When it comes to impact Howard Hendricks is a master teacher. Following these proven principles helped my college classes become full. These principles work in formal classes, at any level, and in informal instruction. Parents will become more effective in their parenting. This is a small, easily read book that will produce big dividends.

Hendricks has written a gem containing valuable information on how a person can become a more dynamic teacher. Among the important points the author covers include:1. If you stop growing today, you stop teaching tomorrow.2. Convince your students that you believe in them!3. Maximum learning is the result of maximum involvement.4. Preparation is the key to good communication.5. The teacher's character, compassion, and content are what motivates the learner the most.6. Teaching and learning are most effective when both teacher and learner are prepared.7. The teacher needs to be creative in the ways learners are motivated.8. Tension is an important part of the learning process.While Hendricks writes from the viewpoint of a seminary professor, anyone involved in any kind of teaching environment will greatly benefit from the book.Read, enjoy, and be challenged to be a better teacher!

This one is a must read from anyone. Prof Hendricks takes his usual down-to-earth style, and cram packs this book full of useful information. Whether you teach Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, or just want to be a more effective witness of the gospel, this book is for you.